Choosing the Best Scissors for Commercial Foodservice
Wolff Industries has been the industry leader in poultry and red meat processing scissors for decades, and today our expertise extends to commercial foodservice kitchens. While knives are still the most versatile tools in kitchens, scissors can offer unique advantages for chefs and staff, especially when safety, efficiency, and consistency are top priorities.
From cutting herbs to portioning meat, the right food-safe scissors can save time, reduce hand fatigue, and deliver more consistent results.
Why Use Scissors in Commercial Kitchens?
Commercial kitchen scissors are more than just an alternative to knives. With the right design and blade quality, scissors can:
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Reduce hand fatigue and injury – ergonomic handles protect staff during repetitive cutting.
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Improve efficiency – faster, cleaner cuts for herbs, vegetables, and proteins.
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Ensure consistency – uniform cuts for portioning and plating.
What Makes Scissors Food-Safe?
Not all scissors are designed for food contact. Foodservice scissors should be manufactured to prevent contamination and withstand frequent cleaning.
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Bonded construction – Wolff chemically bonds handles to steel tangs, ensuring food particles and liquids can’t get trapped in crevices.
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NSF certification – green-handled Wolff scissors, such as the Wolff 6000 Series and KAI 5000 Series, are NSF-certified for food contact.
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Easy identification – in general, any Wolff scissors with green handles are food-safe.
No matter which model you choose, diligent cleaning and maintenance are essential for a safe kitchen.
Types of Scissors for Foodservice Applications
The best scissors for your commercial kitchen depend on what you’re preparing:
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Herbs and vegetables – shorter blades are easier to control. Great options include the KAI 626, KAI 626-7, and Wolff 6165.
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Meats and proteins – longer blades are ideal. The KAI N5000 Series and Wolff poultry scissors are excellent choices.
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Certified food safety – keep in mind that green-handled scissors are NSF-certified, while some other models are not. Certification can be critical during kitchen inspections.
Ergonomic Designs for Comfort and Safety
Cutting comfort is essential in high-volume kitchens. Wolff Industries designs scissors with:
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Ergonomic handles to prevent strain and injury.
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Left-handed options for better usability.
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Multiple handle sizes (small, medium, large) for a perfect fit, with or without gloves.
Blade Quality and Customization Options
High-quality blades are at the heart of every effective pair of scissors. Wolff Industries uses high-carbon stainless steel with a Rockwell hardness rating of 58, which:
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Holds a sharp edge longer.
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Allows for easy re-sharpening.
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Maximizes kitchen productivity.
For specialized needs, we also offer customization, including curved blades, ball tips, and corrugated (serrated) edges.
Scissors Sharpening: What You Need to Know
A common question is whether scissors blades should be separated before sharpening. In most cases, we do not recommend separating blades, as this can damage pivot hardware and lead to permanently loose scissors.
The Wolff Twice As Sharp® scissors sharpener is designed to handle almost any pair of scissors without blade separation. Its proprietary arm and clamp system make sharpening easier, faster, and more precise.
Sharpening Solutions for Commercial Kitchens
Wolff Industries also offers the best sharpening machines for foodservice applications:
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Professional Twice As Sharp® – for maximum performance and durability.
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Standard Twice As Sharp® – for reliable sharpening at an excellent value.
Both models deliver razor-sharp edges, polished finishes, and fast turnaround. We also include professional training with every machine and offer in-person or virtual training sessions with our experts.
If an on-site sharpening program isn’t right for your kitchen, you can partner with a trusted local sharpener or send your scissors directly to Wolff for servicing.
Preventing Rust and Contamination
Scissors in foodservice environments are exposed to blood, water, and other liquids, which can cause rust if not cared for properly.
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Hand washing is strongly recommended.
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If using a dishwasher, place scissors on the top rack.
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Always hand-dry immediately after washing.
Consistent cleaning ensures your blades stay rust-free and safe for use.
Why Choose Wolff Industries for Foodservice Scissors?
At Wolff Industries, our mission is to help commercial kitchens streamline processes, reduce injuries, and save money. With NSF-certified, food-safe scissors, ergonomic designs, and sharpening solutions, we have tools to fit every kitchen’s needs.
If you’re unsure which scissors are right for your foodservice operation, our team is here to help. Contact our customer support team for help finding the ideal scissors for your application.